There are some people whose influence can be measured in titles, years of service, and accomplishments. Pat Coffey was not one of them.

Coffey’s legacy lives in the people he helped, the students he believed in, and the countless lives he touched during his more than 40 years at MSOE.

When Coffey arrived at MSOE in 1972 as an instructor in the General Studies Department, few could have imagined the impact he would have on the university. Over the next four decades, he served as Director of Student Services, Dean of Students, and ultimately Vice President for Student Life, helping to guide MSOE through a period of tremendous growth and transformation.

To generations of students, however, Coffey was much more than an administrator.

He was an advocate, a mentor, a trusted counselor, a steady presence during difficult moments, and a familiar face during life’s biggest milestones. He had a remarkable ability to listen, to understand, and to help people find their way forward.

Coffey believed in students and their potential. He often operated from a simple philosophy: give students the benefit of the doubt. It was a principle that shaped every interaction and reflected the kindness, wisdom and compassion that defined his character. Students knew that if they walked into his office, they would find someone who genuinely cared about them, not just as students, but as people.

A gifted educator with degrees in English from the College of the Holy Cross and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Coffey never lost his love of teaching. Even while serving in senior leadership roles, he continued teaching literature and public speaking, sharing his passion for language and ideas with his students.

Those who worked alongside Coffey remember his thoughtful leadership, his spirit of collaboration, and his remarkable gift for communication. He was known for his eloquence and insightful perspective. Whether he was delivering a speech, offering advice, or simply sharing a conversation, Coffey had a way of making people feel valued and heard.

His contributions to MSOE were recognized through numerous honors over the years, including the Johanna Seelhorst Werwath Distinguished Staff Award and the Student Advocate Award. Yet what meant the most to Coffey was never the recognition. It was the opportunity to serve students and to help make MSOE a place where they could thrive.

Coffey retired in 2013. He played a significant role in helping MSOE evolve into the respected institution it is today, but his greatest achievement was the community he helped build along the way. Those who are fortunate enough to have known him remember Coffey as a compassionate leader, a dedicated educator, a loyal colleague, and a cherished friend.

Coffey was also a proud Irishman, and for many in the MSOE community, it is impossible to think of him without remembering the words he shared at every MSOE commencement. As graduates prepared to begin their next chapter, he would send them on their way with the traditional Irish blessing that reflected his hope and faith in others:

May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields;
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Coffey passed away Sept. 6, 2026, and his legacy will continue to be felt throughout MSOE for years to come.